Is there anything as adorable as a Calico Persian cat? These little furballs are just the right mix of cute and sassy, and they always make a statement
If you’re looking for a Persian cat but don’t want one that’s pure white or black, it’s about time to meet the Calico Persian cat.
These kitties are perfect if you’re looking for an unusual mix of fur color and pattern. Whether you’re looking for a new pet or just want to admire some photos, keep reading to learn more about these fabulous felines.
History of Calico Persian cat
The Calico Persian cat is a type of Persian breed. In the early days, only pure white, brown, and black-furred cats were accepted into the breed. However, there was a need for more spotted and colored cats to create beautiful works of art when painting the faces and dyeing the hair on show cats.
Instead of breeding Persians with other pure breeds, breeders chose to introduce the calico and tortoiseshell-type cats, which resulted in a new breed.
While we don’t know for sure how this cat came into existence, many people believe that it’s related to the albino gene or some other mutation.
Today, this type of cat is very similar to the Persian breed and has a plush double coat with long fur.
Appearance of the calico Persian breed
Calico Persian cats have white or cream-colored coats with large, colorful patches or spots of black, brown, or red.
They have a unique body structure, with a long and slender neck, large eyes, and a “smushed-in” face. Their fur is soft, and they carry it in long, thick waves all over their body.
Size of Calico Persian cat
They are usually quite large in comparison to other breeds with the same body type. However, there are also a lot of smaller specimens as well.
Male calico Persians usually reach 11 to 14 pounds (5-6 kg), while female calico Persians weigh 9-12 pounds (4-5 kg).
It’s important that you watch their weight to make sure that they stay in shape, It can be easy for these cats to become overweight.
Price
In terms of price, these furballs start at 500$ depending on their bloodline, sex, and age. It’s definitely not cheap to buy one as a pet, but owning one can provide lots of love and joy. It is a rare breed of Persian cat, so sometimes the price might cross 3000$.
Personality
In terms of personality, calico Persian cats are very loving, gentle creatures. They enjoy being with their owners and love to be petted. Although they’re pretty laid-back creatures, they get very excited when it comes time for playtime.
The attention span of these kitties is very short. You’ll need to keep them interested in different types of toys if you want to keep them entertained for a longer period of time.
Health problems of the Calico Persian cat
These little furballs come from two different breeds (Persian and calico). They can suffer from a variety of health problems. Here’s a list of the most common issues:
Polycystic Kidney Disease
This is a genetic disorder that affects all breeds, and it often results in death around the age of 7-9 years. In terms of symptoms, you should watch out for loss of appetite, weight loss, changes in behavior, and potty problems.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
This heart disorder often affects the cat’s ability to breathe and results in death if not treated properly. During an attack, your pet will start gasping for air and act very tired. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
Bladder Stones
If your cat is suffering from urinary tract infections, you should watch out for any crystals in its urine. These crystals are often the cause of bladder stones, which can be treated with surgery or medication.
Caring for calico Persian cats
In order to maintain these cuties in the best possible shape, you should follow a few simple steps:
Feeding Good Diet
Feed your calico Persian with high-quality food, which is designed for cats with sensitive stomachs. This will help your cat digest its food properly and stay healthy. At least once per day, feed it yogurt or cottage cheese (both are good sources of probiotics).
Regular Brushing
Brush your calico Persian coat regularly to prevent hairballs and matting. Make sure that you brush the insides of their ears as well since these cats are very prone to ear infections (this is one of the most common health problems among long-haired breeds). Clean their teeth at least thrice per week using special oral hygiene products for pets.
Regular Nail Trimming
Keep their nails trimmed once every week or so. This will prevent them from breaking, which can be very painful for these cats and cause infections (in case the claw gets infected). If you have a little kitten, make sure to buy some soft nail trimmers since kittens are generally afraid of getting hurt by sharp objects like those with metal blades.
Entertainment
Provide them with a good amount of scratch posts and toys to keep them entertained. These cats love to play and can get bored very easily, so it’s important that you have plenty of things for them to do.
Regular vet checkups
Take your cat for regular vet checkups – at least once a year is ideal. This will help catch any health issues in their early stages, and your vet will be able to give you good advice on how to treat them.
Spending time with them
Don’t keep a Calico Persian cat alone for too long, as they are very social creatures who love the company of other kitties or humans. They’re also more likely to suffer from stress if left by themselves, which can lead to health problems.
Pros and cons of owning a calico Persian cat
There are both pros and cons to owning a Calico Persian cat.
Pros:
- Beautiful, unique coat pattern that is very rare.
- Laidback and mellow personality
- Generally healthy breed with few known health problems.
Cons:
- Can be prone to some common health issues such as polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and bladder stones.
- Needs regular brushing, nail trimming, and vet checkups to stay healthy.
- Can be prone to stress if left alone for too long.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of a calico Persian cat?
Calico Persian cats are medium-sized with round faces and large eyes. They tend to be mellow and friendly, but can also be naughty at times.
The body of the calico Persian cat has a stocky appearance with strong legs, while its tail is short in comparison to other breeds of cats.
What is the personality of a calico Persian cat?
As mentioned, calico Persian cats typically have a calm and friendly demeanor. However, they can also be mischievous at times and enjoy playing games. They get along well with children and other pets in the home.
What care is needed for a calico Persian cat?
As with all cats, regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and free from mats. The fur of a calico Persian can also be prone to tangles, so make sure you brush them frequently.
They should have access to clean water and food at all times and should be vaccinated and dewormed regularly.
Are Calico Persian cats good with kids?
Yes, calico Persian cats typically get along well with children. They are usually gentle and tolerant of being handled, which makes them great pets for families with young children.
However, parents should always supervise any interactions between kids and pets to ensure everyone stays safe.
Where can I find a calico Persian cat?
There are many places you can find a calico Persian cat for sale, including online classifieds websites and local breeders. However, it is recommended that you go through a reputable breeder rather than purchase one from an unknown source to ensure the health and well-being of your cat.
What should I look for in buying a calico Persian cat?
There are many things to consider when purchasing any type of pet, especially a calico Persian cat. It’s important to find an ethical breeder who has the health of their cats as a top priority and does not sell sick or unhealthy animals. You should also check for any signs of inherited conditions, such as hip dysplasia, when purchasing from a breeder.
What is the average life expectancy of a calico Persian cat?
The average life expectancy for a calico Persian cat is around 12-15 years. However, some cats have been known to live up to 20 years or more.
Are calico Persian cats good for people who don’t want a high-maintenance cat?
Calico Persian cats are generally a laidback and mellow breed, which is why they’re a good choice for people who don’t want a high-maintenance pet. However, they should be groomed and taken care of regularly.
Do calico Persian cats require a lot of grooming?
Regular brushing is necessary to keep their fur healthy and free from mats.
Do calico Persian cats get along well with other pets?
Typically, yes, calico Persian cats do well when living with other pets in the home. However, it’s always best to introduce new animals slowly and carefully to avoid any potential problems.
Are there any health risks associated with owning a calico Persian cat?
Yes, some common health risks associated with owning a calico Persian cat include polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and bladder stones. However, most of these conditions can be treated if caught early. So, it’s important to have your cat checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis.
Do calico Persian cats require a lot of attention?
Yes, calico Persian cats do require a lot of attention from their owners. Their activity levels may vary depending on the individual cat, but most are playful and like to spend lots of time with their people.
They enjoy being played with and will often fetch or retrieve objects for you if it’s something they’re used to doing as kittens.
Are Calico Persians indoor cats?
Some cat owners recommend keeping your calico Persian indoors since they have a tendency to roam around in search of food, but this really depends on the individual personality of your pet.
It’s advised that you keep these cats indoors as they are prone to developing cat allergies and respiratory problems if kept outside.
Even though they don’t usually suffer from severe illnesses, keeping them inside will also protect them against predators like dogs or coyotes, which can be dangerous for small kittens.
Conclusion
Calico Persian cats are a unique and attractive breed of cat that can make great pets for people with their gentle, friendly personalities.
They may require a considerable amount of attention from their owners, which is why they’re not always recommended for busy families or those who aren’t home much during the day.
However, as long as you have time to devote to them, they will make a wonderful addition to your family as well as the perfect snuggle buddy.
We’re looking for a female Persian calico cat, around 2or3 yrs old. We’re in Franklin Wisc 53132. You can send me a text at 414-350-8069